How to Hire a Roofing Contractor: The Complete 2026 Checklist

Hiring the wrong roofer is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make. A bad contractor can leave you with a leaking roof, a voided manufacturer's warranty, and no legal recourse. This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step checklist to hire a qualified roofing contractor — and avoid the ones who will take your money and disappear.

Step 1: Verify the License

Roofing license requirements vary by state, but most states require contractors to hold a valid license before doing any roofing work. Always ask for the contractor's license number and verify it with your state's licensing board. This takes about 60 seconds online and eliminates most fraudulent contractors immediately.

• Texas: Verify with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
• Arizona: Check the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC)
• Maryland: Search the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) database
• Illinois: Contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
• Indiana: No statewide license — verify local county registration

Step 2: Confirm Insurance Coverage

A licensed roofer is not automatically insured. You need to verify two types of insurance before any work begins:

• General Liability Insurance: Covers damage to your property during the project
• Workers' Compensation Insurance: Covers injuries to workers on your property

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and call the insurance company directly to confirm the policy is active. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor has no workers' comp, you could be liable.

Step 3: Get at Least 3 Written Quotes

Never hire the first contractor who gives you a price. Get at least 3 detailed, written quotes from licensed roofing contractors in your city. A written quote should specify:

• Exact materials to be used (manufacturer, product line, color)
• Total square footage of the roof
• Tear-off and disposal of old materials
• Underlayment and flashing details
• Project timeline (start date and estimated completion)
• Payment schedule
• Warranty terms for both materials and labor

If a quote is vague or verbal, ask for it in writing. A contractor unwilling to provide a written quote is a contractor to avoid.

Step 4: Check References and Reviews

Ask each contractor for 2–3 references from jobs completed in the last 12 months and actually call them. Ask how the job went, whether the crew cleaned up properly, and whether the project finished on time. Supplement this with Google reviews — look for contractors with at least 20 reviews and an average above 4.5 stars.

Be skeptical of contractors with only a handful of 5-star reviews posted within the same week — this is a common sign of fake reviews.

Step 5: Understand the Contract

Before signing anything, make sure the contract includes all of the following:

Step 6: Know the Red Flags

Storm chasers and roofing scammers are common after major weather events. These are the warning signs that should stop you immediately:

• Knocking on your door unsolicited right after a storm
• Demanding full payment before work begins
• Offering to "waive your deductible" — this is insurance fraud in most states
• No physical business address or local presence
• Pressure to sign a contract on the spot
• No written quote or refusal to put terms in writing
• Asking you to sign the insurance check over to them directly

Step 7: Understand Payment Terms

A legitimate roofing contractor will typically ask for a deposit of 10–30% to order materials, with the remainder due upon completion. Never pay more than 50% upfront, and always pay by check or credit card — never cash. Keep all payment receipts and document the work with photos before, during, and after.

Step 8: Confirm the Permit

Most jurisdictions require a building permit for a full roof replacement. Your contractor should pull the permit — not you. If the contractor asks you to pull the permit yourself, that is a major red flag. An unpermitted roof replacement can cause problems when you sell the home and may void your homeowners insurance coverage for roof-related claims.